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Come on in! (“before” pictures!)

This. Is. Happening.

If you missed it, we bought a farm (read about it here!). Wait, WHAT?? We did???

This 1890 farmhouse and 6 acres of pasture land will soon be home sweet home, and we are still pinching ourselves. The home will be renovated top to bottom before we move in, and we are excited to share the adventure with YOU!

It just so happens to be DEMO DAY for our #renovationontheprairie (let’s hear it for Fridley Custom Homes, skillfully taking on this project!), but don’t worry. We took TONS of “before” pics of the house (which will be especially fun after the renovation is complete!) and we’d love to share it with you…NOW! Grab a coffee, bundle up (it’s COLD in here…the furnace is out), and come on in!

I love this view from the front door. See the little niche straight ahead, under the stairs? It’s gonna be so much fun to style & decorate that little spot, isn’t it? Don’t get attached to anything you see in these “before” pics. 😉 Change is COMING!

I’m absolutely IN LOVE with the staircase and newel post. Sadly, it won’t be staying as-is since it doesn’t meet code and is far too short to keep a child safe (especially in the upstairs hall!). HOWEVER, we will try to incorporate the original newel post by adding a block to the bottom to make it taller. We’ll see what kind of magic the finish carpenter can do…it’s so beautiful and original to the home.

The front door will be replaced, and it appears there was once a transom window above the front door…we hope to add it once again…give me all of the natural light! 🙂

Ok, before we go upstairs, let me show you the rest of the main level! The original home has 9.5′ ceilings which I adore. It really keeps things feeling open.

Above is the main living area. See that little dividing wall straight ahead? That will be removed, and a fireplace added in the middle. Just look at those windows! Once you step into the room, you’ll see the front bay window to the right (below).

Not a bad view, huh? And the PERFECT spot for next year’s Christmas tree!

I was so thankful we had a beautiful, sunny morning yesterday, when Jill came to photograph the house.

Ok, let’s go stand in the bay window area and look back into the living area…this is the view: (below)

Surprise! There’s a fireplace on the left! It will be removed as it is not functioning properly, and remember, the new fireplace will be on the right, where the little arched niche wall is currently. (I know. I can feel your judgement. You like the niche wall. Trust me, opening the space up will be dreamy!) See the wall straight ahead, past the fireplace? That wall will go bye-bye too, so you’ll be able to see straight into the kitchen! Below is a closer view of the wall that will come down to open up the kitchen area (where you see the doorway & chandelier).

And if we stand in the opening to the kitchen and look back to the living space, this is what we see: (below)

To the right of the fireplace is an opening to my office. However, since there are two doors to the office, this one will be removed and will become a great wall for a nice big piece of furniture.

While we’re here, let’s pop in and take a look at my office. This room gets AMAZING light! (the blue room)

There’s currently a fireplace (not functioning) to the left here, but it will be replaced with a closet. Don’t judge…Gotta keep those pillows & client files SOMEWHERE!

I took this cute little memo board out, and it will have a new home in the pantry someday…so fun!

***I don’t blame you if you need a snack break…this is a LONG post! Wheat thins? String cheese?***

Ok so Ryan got a little antsy this weekend, and removed a couple cabinets before we took pics…that’s ok. We were too excited! The door on the far left is the current back entrance, which will be kept as our main entrance for friends & family (I’m already dreaming of a dutch door here). I like a “back porch” sort of entrance. Casual, inviting, and perfect for farm life! See the green cabinets? That’s the current kitchen, but will become our pantry. The rest of this room will be a nice big farmhouse kitchen. The ceilings here are much lower, so we’re hoping to vault them into the attic space (this part of the house is only one level).

See the (open)green door on the left (above)? That leads to the current pantry, which will be opened up and will become part of the kitchen.

For reference, in the above pic, the current pantry door is right behind me. I’ll show you what it looks like in there below:

I’m showing you the above pic again so you can see where we’re headed next…see the hallway entrance just below the chandelier? Straight through there, you’ll see this bathroom currently:

This festive red bathroom will actually become a hallway to the laundry room/mud room. The wallpaper in this room is actually my favorite in the house.

If we turn left instead of going into this bathroom, there’s a fun little ANTIQUE in the hall…wanna see?

A WALL PHONE???? Oh the memories! Remember when you stretched the cord all the way into the pantry so you could talk to your friends in private? And your little sisters would listen at the door anyway? Or better yet, they would quietly pick up another phone in the house and listen? 😉 Anyway, this hall leads to the current bonus room, powder room, laundry room, and master bedroom, in the “newer” part of the house…added in the 1960’s and early 2000’s.

Below is the bonus room, and beyond that the current master, which will become the master suite, including a master bath and closet. This part of the house will be completely reconfigured to be more useful and allow for a better flow.

From the current bonus room, you walk directly in the master bedroom, below. The ceilings in here are fairly low, so we plan to vault them.

Looking back toward the bonus, here’s what it looks like:

See the floral wallpaper in the little doorway in the the middle of the above pic? That’s the laundry room…I’ll show you. 🙂

This room will change a LOT, as we’ll have a door to the outside, and a hallway to the kitchen where the washer currently sits.

See the blue bathroom above? That will be our powder room, but will be accessed from the other side instead (hallway). Here’s a closer look as-is:

Let’s head back down the main hall and into the “original” part of the house…I want to take you upstairs! (The hallway is slated to become a WHOLE LOT cuter!)

Ready? Come on up! Oh, BUT FIRST. Can we discuss the little niche window on the stairs???? I’m envisioning a cushion and a cozy little spot for reading, or watching the happenings on the farm! (insert heart eyes HERE!) Such a unique feature. (below)

From this spot we’ll walk to where you can see that little splash of blue carpet, our son’s room. (below)

Lots of windows and cookie monster carpet. 😉

See the small door? That’s a walk in closet (below).

Next is the upstairs bath, which will be reconfigured a bit. The vanity will be moved to the wall on the left, so mirrors can be added above…and of course a fresh new look. 😉

This bright room doesn’t have a closet, so the wall straight ahead (above) will be removed to make one larger room and walk-in closet for our daughter. (See the other room below.)

This room has 4 layers of wallpaper, each more interesting that the next as you go back in time. This house is full of history, and the discoveries we make each day are so much fun!

All of the original doors have this plate on them. So interesting!

If you’re still here, I admire your stamina. Phew! That was a long tour. 😉 I couldn’t help it. I wanted you to see as many angles as possible.

Can I just tell you? It means so much to have you along for this adventure. We have been anxiously awaiting the time when we could share this with you…and lookie there. We’ve arrived. Renovation officially began today, and the transformation has begun. We can’t wait to fill this home with love, laughter, memories, and warmth. And having you here means the world!

We’d love to know…what do you think? Is it anything like you expected in its “before” state? Smaller, bigger, more colorful, more wallpaper, or a more crazy undertaking than you thought?

Sandee -So excited for your family. Can’t wait to follow along with the transformation.
Your an amazing designer, this farmhouse is going to be so beautiful.ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 1:44 am

yellowprairieint -You are so sweet, Sandee. We are pretty excited! So glad to have you along for the fun!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 1:39 am

Nancy Esmonds -Thanks for sharing your great adventure.
How ‘bout a floor of the original house before you remove walls, etc. it’s just an idea, maybe on a napkin in your spare time.
I’m looking forward to the adventure from here in sunny California.
Enjoy and good luck.ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 1:45 am

yellowprairieint -Great idea! Yes! We’ll have to share that soon, and then show the plans for the new layout!:)ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 1:47 am

Dondee -I’m going to live vicariously through you on this journey! I absolutely love the farmhouse and surrounding property!! Congratulations!ReplyCancel

liz -The farmhouse is amazing – so much charm and so many possibilities!!! This is going to be such an exciting journey for you and your family. Thank you so much for taking us along with you – looking forward to lots of posts and photos!ReplyCancel

Megan-Love following along with your renno! We are building new this Spring, but it’s super exciting as we designed every detail with a pencil, graph paper, and countless hours! Anyway, I think it would be fun to save some of the original pieces of wall paper and repurpose them, maybe in a frame? I love incorporating old elements into the new and plan on doing that even with a new build. Best of luck!
– Megan from PAReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 1:59 am

yellowprairieint -Are you reading my mind?? 🙂 I gathered bits of wallpaper from every room yesterday to do exactly that! So glad you’re along for the fun adventure!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 1:55 am

Shannon Fox-What an incredible journey you are going to undertake! It’ll be so exciting to see what you do. Congratulations, and best wishes for an extra fabulous new year!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:00 am

yellowprairieint -Thank you so much, sweet Shannon! Happy new year to you as well! xoxoReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:17 am

Margaret Ellen -Woohoo!! So excited for y’all..what a dream come true! I cannot wait to see how you use your talents to transform it. Have fun!!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:29 am

yellowprairieint -Oh, thank you Margaret! We are so thrilled to have you along for the fun!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:19 am

Colleen -You look sooo happy like you might burst!! 😀 it us a beautiful home and property and can’t wait to see your dream come true!! Thank you for sharing your adventure. Congratulations!!!!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:30 am

yellowprairieint -Exactly! I MIGHT burst!! 😉 Can’t believe it’s happening, and so happy to have you along for the adventure!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:24 am

Lindsey -So excited to see what you do! It’s going to be dreamy, I already know! Way more color than I expected in the before shots!ReplyCancel

Jeanne Mikkelsen -What a wonderful, exciting adventure! I’m so happy that we all get to come along and watch all the changes! Congrats and Happy New Year!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:47 am

yellowprairieint -Thank you Jeanne! Glad you’re along for the fun!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:42 am

Jenna -Love it!!! Can’t wait to watch through your reno! We’ve been remodeling a 1903 farmhouse and I can’t wait to finally move in within the next 6 months after a 3 year process. We are doing the work ourselves and well…opening up old homes usually opens up big projects! But it will be so worth it! Best of luck to you!ReplyCancel

Sue LaFranchise -As a fellow Oregonian it feels like a neighbor breathing life into their new dream… SO happy for you both! Not too long a post and never too many photos… just keep it all coming😉!ReplyCancel

Sue T. -Yes, I was out of breath. All the walking & the stairs. Glad I am setting down. I look forward seeing this diamond in the ruff become a beautiful home for you & your family. “Vamos” !!!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:57 am

yellowprairieint -😉 Love it…thanks for hanging in there for the tour!! 🙂 Thanks for following along!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 3:23 am

Heather -I am so excited to follow along with you!! This is so exciting. How big is this house compared to your current house? I have a feeling it is going to be amazing:)ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 4:56 pm

yellowprairieint -It’s about the same size as our current home in total square footage, about 3000 sq ft…just a much different layout. 🙂 Excited to have you along for the adventure!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 5:48 am

Trisha -I am just giddy with excitement to see what you do with this place! I drive by here often, and I am particularly excited to see what you do with the landscaping.It has the potential to be absolutely dreamy. I grew up on a farm, and last year we finally bought 5 acres and are doing our own “fixing up.” Looking forward to getting lots of ideas from you! Thanks for including us all in this adventure!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 4:58 pm

yellowprairieint -We are excited to work on the landscaping too…we LOVE working outdoors. 🙂 Congrats on your new acreage! Thanks for coming along for the fun!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 6:30 am

Fiona -It’s got great bones. It will be lovely when it’s finished.ReplyCancel

Jean Anderson -Love the farmhouse. It’s quite an undertaking, but will be stunning with you designing it. What part of the state is it in?ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 5:00 pm

yellowprairieint -It’s in the Salem area. 🙂 Thanks for following along, Jean!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:29 pm

Beth -Oh wow!! Absolutely stunning, so much detail and quirky little corners, what a dream come true! I’ll be following your journey all the way from Lincoln, England! So excited to this come together!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 5:01 pm

yellowprairieint -Oh Beth! Thanks for following along from afar! We are so happy to have you along for the adventure!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 2:36 pm

Annemarie pierce -Wow what amazing character it has already!! You will do nothing short of amazing, excited to watch it be transformed!! What a big change for you! Is your house you live in now new construction or did you remodel that as well?ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 5:03 pm

yellowprairieint -Isn’t it fun? Our current home is only 3 years old (we had it built and enjoyed the entire process)…so this is a whole new frontier for us. So excited to have you along for the transformation!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 4:23 pm

Nancy-We took on a project like this twelve years ago. I remember the smells of an old house and couldn’t wait to remove the toilets someone else peed in! 😂. So I’ll tell you the truth…it’s hideous inside but will be all worth it when you finish!!! Have fun!!!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 5:04 pm

yellowprairieint -We are so looking forward to breathing new life into this old beauty…the ultimate recycling! 🙂 Thanks for following along!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 4:39 pm

Terri -Oh my goodness! How exciting! I can’t wait to see the afters!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 5:04 pm

yellowprairieint -Thank you Terri! Excited to have you along for the adventure!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 4:58 pm

Patti -Wow! This house has so much character and charm. Can hardly wait to see you put your magical touch on it…. Cookie Monster carpet in one room Elmo carpet in another and all those windows!!😍 Enjoy the process. So happy for you!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 5:05 pm

yellowprairieint -So colorful, huh?? 😉 Happy to have you along for the fun!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 5:14 pm

Keely-I LOVED al the pictures! Keep them coming! Old houses are home to me! We lived in one in the Howell Praire area for about ten years! So many good memories! Your new home is incredible and has so much character! You must still be pinching yourself! Looking forward to all the updates of your journey!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 7:15 pm

yellowprairieint -I love the Howell Prairie area! I grew up out there. Looking forward to having you along for the adventure!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 6:51 pm

Tanja -Girllllll it is amazing!!! All that room ♥️♥️♥️You will make it gorgeous
And i cannot wait to see the transformation😊ReplyCancel

Cheryl -OMG girl! That Home has just been sitting there waiting for you all of its life! I think I would have bought it just for those door madalions! So fascinating! Beautiful home. Can’t wait to watch the transformation.ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 8:31 pm

yellowprairieint -Aww…well we feel honored to be the new owners! Excited to have you along for the fun!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 7:43 pm

Angela Haragan -So excited to follow along with you as you renovate & make it your own. This is definitely a huge dream of mine, to own a small farm with a little bit of land. I love all the old history & those neighboring cows would make me so happy!!! Congrats on your exciting adventure!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 8:31 pm

yellowprairieint -Thank you Angela! You’ll have to come see it in real life sometime! 😉ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 8:11 pm

sandy marshall -So excited for you!!! What a dream to be fulfilling a lifetime moment like this… I need a personal tour!!! Leah was mentioning coming by some time soon…so hopefully we can make this happen….before it’s to late!! love you!!

yellowprairieint -ANY TIME Sandy!! Would love to show you! You’ll definitely want to see the “before” in person if possible! Love you!ReplyCancel

December 28, 2017 - 9:19 pm

Valerie -This takes me back to 1989 when we moved from Pasadena, CAa to our current home in rural VA. Our house, built in 1798, was desperately in need of renovation. Lucky me, hubby did it all … it was a slow road to perfection… and worth every minute.

Denise -This is so fun! I was hoping that there would be a back staircase as well, but since you didn’t mention it, I’m guessing there isn’t. We have a home built in 1890 and have been here 4 years. It is definitely a work in progress but we love it! Enjoy the journey!ReplyCancel

December 29, 2017 - 5:52 pm

yellowprairieint -Oh a back staircase would be so fun! I wish! Love hearing that you adore your 1890 farmhouse! 🙂ReplyCancel

December 29, 2017 - 3:29 pm

Melody -I LOVE this house! You have truly found a jewel and I can’t wait to see what you do with it but I have to say, it’s like stepping back in time and you almost hate to see it transformed while at the same time can’t wait to see the new look!ReplyCancel

December 29, 2017 - 5:54 pm

yellowprairieint -It’s fun to see how it has changed over the years and been “updated” time after time…we feel lucky to be the ones to update it this time! Happy new year, Melody!ReplyCancel

December 30, 2017 - 4:28 am

Ivory-Wow, I love the cute nic, turns, cutouts, and all the other beauties this wonderful farmhouse has to offer, both inside and out. I would love to own a farmhouse.ReplyCancel

December 30, 2017 - 6:52 pm

yellowprairieint -Thank you Ivory! We’re pretty much head over heels for this old house! 🙂ReplyCancel

December 31, 2017 - 10:21 pm

shari wood -So darling. I love every inch of it… can’t wait to see the transformation. The color choices crack me up….ReplyCancel

January 1, 2018 - 4:01 am

yellowprairieint -Thank you Shari! You’ll have to come see it in REAL LIFE! 🙂ReplyCancel

January 1, 2018 - 5:12 pm

Natalie-I just had a chance to sit down and read your post. I loved walking through the house with you. It’s going to be so amazing! So excited to be following along! And that old phone…I remember those 🙌🏻😂ReplyCancel

January 1, 2018 - 6:18 pm

yellowprairieint -Aww, thank you Natalie! So fun to have you along for the adventure, sweet friend! 🙂ReplyCancel

January 2, 2018 - 12:46 am

Teapotgran -So happy for you and your family!!! If that house could talk!!! Are there hardwood floors under the carpet and can you restore them?ReplyCancel

January 2, 2018 - 3:46 pm

yellowprairieint -Yes, there are hardwood floors, however they are patched and pretty damaged. We will most likely have to replace the floors…but it’s fun to see them, never the less! 🙂ReplyCancel

January 3, 2018 - 7:33 pm

Linda -WoW! You have your work cut out for you! I lived in a 100 year old farm house as a girl. The rooms were either very small or very unique. The colors were interesting in our farm house as well. Pink walls, lavender walls, no shower! However, I loved to soak in the claw foot tub. Your color were vibrant, to say a nice word. I am so looking forward to seeing all the wonderful changes you have planned. I’ll be right beside you, encouraging you through the long renovation process!ReplyCancel

January 16, 2018 - 7:25 pm

Jenifer -Will you have an eat-in kitchen? Where do you see your table sitting? I’m excited to see the lay out of the Laundry, Mudroom, Pantry. Those spaces are always my favorite as they are what keep a house running! Thank you for sharing.ReplyCancel

January 16, 2018 - 7:33 pm

yellowprairieint -Hi Jenifer! As of now, we plan to float the table between the kitchen and living room, in an open concept space. Thanks for joining us for the adventure!ReplyCancel

January 23, 2018 - 4:14 pm

Yasmeen Abdullah -It’s absolutely breathtaking!! From the original stairs, to the built in’s, to that beautiful window in your daughters new room! Everything is soooooo beautiful!! I am so excited for you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us!!ReplyCancel

January 23, 2018 - 11:19 pm

yellowprairieint -Oh thank you, Yasmeen! So happy to have you along for the fun! 🙂ReplyCancel